How Are Women in Chamoli Empowered by NRLM?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Empowerment through NRLM: The NRLM initiative empowers rural women by providing sustainable livelihood opportunities.
- Financial Independence: Women in Chamoli have gained financial stability and independence.
- Self-Help Groups: Formation of SHGs has facilitated collaboration and support among women.
- Training Opportunities: Regular training in various skills enhances their business management capabilities.
- Community Impact: Successful initiatives inspire women from neighboring areas to explore similar ventures.
Chamoli (Uttarakhand), Oct 23 (NationPress) The National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) is greatly transforming the lives of rural women in the Chamoli district by providing them with sustainable livelihood opportunities. These initiatives have enabled them to achieve financial independence.
Implemented under the guidance of the Central government, the mission's goal is to empower women from economically disadvantaged backgrounds by forming Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and assisting them in engaging in income-generating activities.
The focus of this story is the Dasholi development block of Chamoli, where women from eight village councils have united under the Hariyali Swayatt Sahkarita Devar-Khadora, established through NRLM.
These women have chosen dairy farming as their primary source of income. Each morning, they collect milk from surrounding villages and sell it to a milk dairy, set up as part of the Uttarakhand government’s Gramothan Project. This initiative has not only ensured a steady income but has also enhanced their confidence and social status.
Suman, a beneficiary of the project, shared with IANS that prior to joining the self-help group, most women had limited income sources and were financially reliant on others. Now, by collaborating, they are earning a respectable living. “We collect milk daily and supply it to the dairy. It feels wonderful to contribute to our family’s income,” she expressed proudly.
Mamta, another member of the group, mentioned that the dairy generates over Rs 2 lakh monthly, shared among the group members after expenses. “We never imagined we could earn this much in our villages. The training and support from NRLM have completely transformed our lives,” she remarked.
Through NRLM, women receive ongoing training in bookkeeping, dairy management, and financial planning, equipping them to manage their small-scale enterprises effectively. This initiative has encouraged savings, improved decision-making, and fostered unity among women.
The group’s success has inspired women from neighboring villages to form similar groups and initiate their own ventures in poultry, vegetable farming, and handicrafts.